Pressure washing, good or bad?

[Maineiac]

My latest garage filler is a pressure washer. I figured it would be a good tool with which to clean up the tractor, especially the backhoe, after dirty digging day. Now that I've tried it, I'm wondering if it doesn't create as many problems as it solves--as in blowing dirt and crud into places they normally wouldn't reach.

Does anyone have an opinion on this? Should I lube after EVERY pressure washer use? That seems excessive and yet I'm wondering if the pressure might blast grease right out of some fittings. Thanks, as always.

 

[Maineiac]

My latest garage filler is a pressure washer. I figured it would be a good tool with which to clean up the tractor, especially the backhoe, after dirty digging day. Now that I've tried it, I'm wondering if it doesn't create as many problems as it solves--as in blowing dirt and crud into places they normally wouldn't reach.

Does anyone have an opinion on this? Should I lube after EVERY pressure washer use? That seems excessive and yet I'm wondering if the pressure might blast grease right out of some fittings. Thanks, as always.

 

[DrewL]

I pressure my wash CK30 LB all the time. Yeah, dirt and grime gets to places that are hard to believe it got there on it's onw but I can get to it. I have a homeowner Sears 2500PSI 2.2 GPM and it does fine and far better than a garden hose

 

[DrewL]

I pressure my wash CK30 LB all the time. Yeah, dirt and grime gets to places that are hard to believe it got there on it's onw but I can get to it. I have a homeowner Sears 2500PSI 2.2 GPM and it does fine and far better than a garden hose

 

[TractorLegend]

My pressure washer has different tips---I'd go with a wider one as opposed to the sharp one that could write your name in the paint--and avoid the radiator, its soft.
I would make sure the motor is cooled down if you are doing the engine---I heard there can be problems if you temperature shock diesel injection pumps

 

[TractorLegend]

My pressure washer has different tips---I'd go with a wider one as opposed to the sharp one that could write your name in the paint--and avoid the radiator, its soft.
I would make sure the motor is cooled down if you are doing the engine---I heard there can be problems if you temperature shock diesel injection pumps

 

[Highbeam]

I have found that a pressure washer with cold clean water does not clean grease blobs from a tractor. I stopped using the pressure washer when I realized it wan't going to work for the grease mess and now use a sponge and soap which cuts grease much better. Garden hose pressure to rinse. I have discovered by accident that a tiny bit of diesel on a rag or on your finger will dissolve the heck out of the grease blobs, I worry though that the diesel will dissolve any wax and maybe damage the paint finish over time.

I wouldn't be so worried about the pressure washer blowing the grease out of the joints since it won't but I would worry about water being forced into the joints where it will be trapped by the grease and may lead to corrosion issues or deteriorate the grease when the water pockets are squished into the grease.

A pressure washer is a great tool. Great for many things but I find it doesn't cut it with grease and that's what makes my tractor a mess.

 

[Highbeam]

I have found that a pressure washer with cold clean water does not clean grease blobs from a tractor. I stopped using the pressure washer when I realized it wan't going to work for the grease mess and now use a sponge and soap which cuts grease much better. Garden hose pressure to rinse. I have discovered by accident that a tiny bit of diesel on a rag or on your finger will dissolve the heck out of the grease blobs, I worry though that the diesel will dissolve any wax and maybe damage the paint finish over time.

I wouldn't be so worried about the pressure washer blowing the grease out of the joints since it won't but I would worry about water being forced into the joints where it will be trapped by the grease and may lead to corrosion issues or deteriorate the grease when the water pockets are squished into the grease.

A pressure washer is a great tool. Great for many things but I find it doesn't cut it with grease and that's what makes my tractor a mess.

 

[Dodgeram]

OK, let me get this straight..
1) I should grease the tractor, attachments, implements
2) I should change the filters, oil and Hydraulic Fluid
3) Add diesel ($3.11 this morning)
and now I find out I'm supposed to WASH it. What's next?
Since I'm doing the 50 hr this weekend should I:
Wash Tractor first? (This way when I grease it, I'll force any water out)
Do the 50 hr first? This way I can wash my greasy fingerprints off?
Decisions, decisions, decsions...
Tom

 

[Dodgeram]

OK, let me get this straight..
1) I should grease the tractor, attachments, implements
2) I should change the filters, oil and Hydraulic Fluid
3) Add diesel ($3.11 this morning)
and now I find out I'm supposed to WASH it. What's next?
Since I'm doing the 50 hr this weekend should I:
Wash Tractor first? (This way when I grease it, I'll force any water out)
Do the 50 hr first? This way I can wash my greasy fingerprints off?
Decisions, decisions, decsions...
Tom

 

[Maineiac]

Good thoughts, folks, as always.

The pressure washer will be solely for mud and crud and not to clean the ever-present grease blobs. I don't point it at the engine, only at dirty areas of the hoe and loader. As a consequence, mud spatters everywhere and then I have to hit those spots too. I guess the consensus is that it's no big deal.

 

[Maineiac]

Good thoughts, folks, as always.

The pressure washer will be solely for mud and crud and not to clean the ever-present grease blobs. I don't point it at the engine, only at dirty areas of the hoe and loader. As a consequence, mud spatters everywhere and then I have to hit those spots too. I guess the consensus is that it's no big deal.

 

[TractorLegend]

We find in the shop that Zep Formula 50 degreaser and a garden hose is sufficient to degrease automobile underhoods...just a thought

 

[TractorLegend]

We find in the shop that Zep Formula 50 degreaser and a garden hose is sufficient to degrease automobile underhoods...just a thought

 

[VictorW]

I never got my CK30hst that dirty that a rag and garden hose wouldn't work. If I had to use my pressure washer, I'd keep the wand tip reasonably away from the tractor parts. As someone else mentioned, use the fan and not the jet tip that can write in cement and don't wash a hot engine with cold water. I always grease after washing. You'll see water being pushed out of the joints. Everybody has their own washing tricks. I'm sure you'll find some too.

 

[VictorW]

I never got my CK30hst that dirty that a rag and garden hose wouldn't work. If I had to use my pressure washer, I'd keep the wand tip reasonably away from the tractor parts. As someone else mentioned, use the fan and not the jet tip that can write in cement and don't wash a hot engine with cold water. I always grease after washing. You'll see water being pushed out of the joints. Everybody has their own washing tricks. I'm sure you'll find some too.